Day 12

Today was a Nero (Near Zero), arrived at Belden around 10am after hiking 9.5 miles. Will stay here overnight, and leave early tomorrow. Had a delicious breakfast and collected my last resupply box. From now on I will use local supermarkets to resupply.

On the way down were some excellent views. The book said poison oak was all over the trail, I took a pic of what I thought was poison oak, though not sure.

The guide book says "Beldon is a creepy town". Not so bad I think. It's known for Raves. This weekend was very busy - a motorcycle group stopped in. I'll have to wait for my room to be cleaned. Talked with the owner a bit. Met up with another hiker (Bam Bam) from Slovakia. Let him shower in my room.

Today was a good day! I'll tell you tomorrow about the climb out of Belden and then never complain again about elevation changes.

Day 11

Stopped at 1280 for a 23 9 mile day. Met a couple of long section hikers as well as some day hikers.

Took a pic of trees with moss, as well as some (yet more) views.

Dinner was a pack of sardines packed in Louisiana hot sauce on a couple of tortilla shells, a pack of tuna fish, and a single serve peanut butter.

I am 8 miles ahead of schedule...the schedule planned 6 months ago. Not bad!

Day 10

Well, last night before bed (around 7pm) a mother bear and her 2 cubs passed by me about 50 yards away. Didn't seem to notice me, and kept on going till out of sight. Cinnamon in color. Sorry no pics. Morning report: no bears last night.

Also saw a rattlesnake on the trail. Saw a few SOBO hikers. Trail was like total "downhill" till around 1, then total "uphill" for the rest of the day (and tomorrow!) Took a pic of the ubiquitous pine cones and also the foot bridge over the middle fork of the Feather river.

So by the numbers I am at mile 1256.1 which means I went 19.9 miles today. I stopped a little early. Although the weather report is good, it is cloudy so I set my tent up (for the first time this trip). I probably should get rained on sometime, but haven't seen a drop yet.

All in all, it was a very good day today!

Day 9

Ended at mile 1236.2. So 18.9 miles were trudged today. It was warm last night, and borderline uncomfortable hiking all day. Walked 1 mile total off trail to go to a water source.

Saw zero people today. Was able to download the ESPN radio shows from yesterday and listen to them. Had to tighten up my belt, which is a good thing :)

Great news from home, Kristen passed her boards and is now Kristen Douglass PA-C!

Day 8

Ended at 1217.3, so made 19.7 PCT miles in addition to the 2 mile road walk back to the trail. The trip "UP" was tough, esp with a fully loaded pack.

Nice views all around. This was my first segment that I kind of worried about water, but when I got to the spring it was running.

I feel tired but good!

Day 7

A zero day! Went to town (.5 miles) to pick up my resupply box. Sent home a couple of items I wasn't using. Had breakfast, talked with another hiker. Heard from the guy at the store that today is Taco Tuesday at the local restaurant. I will be back! Note: tacos only OK.

I have now come around 105 miles. Feeling better. But, I just looked at tomorrow's elevation. I go straight up from 3925' to 7400'! Basically straight up for the first 8 miles. Plus, with a full pack and food for 5 days. Ouch!

Day 5

Had a 1.5 mile road walk from "my lodge" along rt 40 to the PCT. Hiked over Donner Pass, then walked under rt 80 in a culvert. Lots of day hikers and weekend hikers on the trail.

Called ahead to a motel in Sierra City so I have a room for Tues, Wed.

Most of the terrain is between 7, 000' and 9, 000'. With lots of ups and downs. Finished at mile 1170.5, ended up with 15.0 miles today. 27 miles until Sierra City where I will resupply and take a zero day.

Tonight's camp is on an overlook, great view. I am exhausted, couldn't go another mile. Cooked a Mountain House for dinner. In bed by 7:30.

Day 6 - an A+ day

Because I went to sleep so early last night, I was up and hiking by 5. It was the coolest night yet, and I wore my down jacket for the first 4 miles. They were easy miles, and it stayed cool through the morning. Perfect hiking weather. I was on a ridge most of the morning with constant views. In the afternoon, I was mostly in the "big woods" with pine needles carpeting the trail. The last 5 or 6 miles were on an annoying switchback down to hwy 49. I saw zero people all day.

Started the day at 8125' elevation, and am at 3925' in Sierra City, so the trail was mostly downhill, and gentle downhill at that. Yes, there were uphills but not so many. I felt strong, and thoughly enjoyed the day. Weather, trail, beauty all came together.

I finished at 1197.5 at Sierra City. 27 miles! Plus, there was a 2 mile road walk to get to town and my motel. Got in around 5:30, had spaghetti for dinner. The last 10 miles seemed to take forever. I had 17 miles in by noon!

My room has a large deck overlooking a stream. Almost set up my sleeping bag on the deck. Still might tomorrow night.. In the morning I will pick up my resupply and relax on my deck the rest of the day.

Day 4

Woke up early and walked into dawn. I really enjoy the way the sun crawls up the mountains.

The first 5 miles were "up" and kicked my butt. But after that the trail leveled with spectacular views.

There were lots of day hikers, and a few weekend folks. There were also several trail runners (maybe 30?) Including a university training cross county runners. Wow, they could go!

Check out my weather forecast below. Nice.

I did 12 miles by noon, but when I came to rt 40 I saw a sign that said "showers, laundry, food" call this number. I called. Very nice. The front desk guy offered to pick me up (the lodge was only 1.4 miles away).

Very interesting place. For $48 I got a "cubicle", shower, laundry, and hot tub. And dinner. The cubicle was the length of a twin bed plus 1 foot , and not as wide as 2 beds. But it worked. This is an eclectic place, really amazing. Also a ski lodge. I think part of the national park system.

I'll have an early start tomorrow. So glad I stopped here!

Day 3

Started real early (headlamp needed) and made it to my planned campsite at mile 1142.9. So, 22.3 miles today! I had 12 miles in at noon, the trail was pretty nice. The last 4 miles of the day were tough! But, I made it!

Most of the day were views like I posted below. Turn left, view. Turn right, view. Incredible!! It is not possible to overstate how beautiful it is.

Weather has been excellent. Blue skies with the occational puffy cloud. 75 to 80 degrees in the day, mid 40's at night. Today was breezy. OK, not breezy - WINDY!  Even at my camp. The windy feels good, but after a while is tiresome.

I am tired! Can't wait to crawl into the sleeping bag. I'm holding up pretty well. Some chafing. Feet OK but a couple of hot spots. All in all...not bad.

Day 2

Last night the moon didn't rise until around 3am, so I was treated to a spectacular night sky show. Slept well, up around 5. Excellent coffee. Had a Spam sandwich and pop tart for breakfast.

Started at 1102.9, finished at 1120.6 for 17.8 miles. It was tough walking for me...still not in shape. The morning had an up and down with spectacular views. Only saw about 4 other hikers, and camped near a group about 100 yards away.

A few months a go I planned out the first 10 campsites, and I am on track with the first two. Tomorrow I'm looking at 22 miles, not sure I will make it.

Day 1

Finally got to the trail around 11am, what a great feeling! Lasted all of 30 minutes until I took a wrong turn and went a half mile out of my way lol.

Started at mile 1092 9 and ended at 1103.9 for an even 11 miles. This was my plan for day 1. I feel tired, but nothing hurts (yet).

The PCT runs with the Tahoe Rim Trail for 50 or so miles. I saw a lot (like 100+) day hikers today, esp around beautiful Echo Lake. Also saw a grouse of some sort that stood 2' from me.

There are a few folks camped within a 1/2 mile of me, but I do have a private spot. Cowboy camping tonight next to a lake. Zero hungry. Really feels terrific to get the first day in!

No cell reception here, and that may be a recurring issue.  Below are some pics that summarize my day